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Reflections

K-Pop, K-Dramas, Demon Hunters, and More: How Hallyu is Rocking the World

The year is 2025, and there’s one particular frequency that is – undeniably, unquestionably – dominating the dial of pop culture: Korean media. Now, this isn’t exactly new news. The world has been seeing the swell of Hallyu (Korean Wave) for almost fifteen years. You may recall the impact of PSY’s “Gangnam Style” in 2012, which for many Westerners was their first exposure to K-Pop. But within the last few years, the momentum behind Korean media and culture that has rocked international sensibilities has felt more like a supernova than a wave, shattering Western media borders and shining its light in…

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TV Shows

Adolescence, Episode 2 – One Shot, Many Stories

After the tightly focused claustrophobia of Episode 1, Adolescence takes a breath, but not a break. Episode 2, keeps the signature single-take format, but expands its scope. This time, the camera doesn’t just follow one thread; it moves like a tide, drifting between perspectives, carrying us through multiple lives all caught in the same emotional undertow. And it works. Where Episode 1 felt like being locked in a room with a single family’s crisis, Episode 2 pans out to explore the ripple effects. It’s still shot in real time, still unbroken, but the atmosphere shifts. The tension isn’t just coming…

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TV Shows

Adolescence: Episode 1

A Breathless Beginning That Demands Your Full Attention Netflix’s Adolescence doesn’t ease you in. It drops you straight into the chaos with one continuous, high-wire shot that barely lets you blink. A little late to the game with this one, but for the next few posts, I’m going to take you through my experience of the show. Episode one is a tense, masterfully constructed hour of television that left me both impressed and unsettled, in all the right ways. Let’s talk about that one-take format first. It’s not a gimmick. Directed by Philip Barantini, the camera moves with the characters…

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Reflections

LGBTQIA+ in Media: A History of Struggle & Progress

Throughout history, literature and film have served as mirrors to society, reflecting the complexities of human identity, love, and struggle. Within this vast cultural landscape, LGBTQIA+ voices have long fought for visibility, often facing censorship, discrimination, or erasure. Yet, these voices persist, shaping narratives that challenge norms, inspire activism, and provide a sense of belonging for countless individuals. LGBTQIA+ in Cultural History LGBTQIA+ representation in literature can be traced back centuries, albeit often hidden in subtext or coded language due to societal restrictions. Writers like Oscar Wilde, whose novel The Picture of Dorian Gray subtly addressed themes of queerness, and…

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TV Shows

The Timeless Appeal of (the New) DuckTales

Few shows manage to capture the hearts of both kids and adults quite like Disney’s revamped “DuckTales” (2017 – 2021).

Now bear with me, because I know this might sound odd—but this modern take on the classic series is a work of pure genius. Not only does it rekindle the nostalgia of those who grew up with the original show, but it’s also carved out a distinct identity of its own with an all-star cast, top tier writing, and a perfect blend of comedy that appeals to viewers of all ages. Trust me when I say the new DuckTales is a must-watch for anyone and everyone.

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Reflections

Destigmatizing Fanfiction – A Conversation with Damien Gerard

Actor Damien Gerard, who is known for his work in Call of Duty: Black Ops War and most prominently on the hit HBO Max show Our Flag Means Death, recently joined me in a discussion about the importance of fanfiction. Fanfiction, and fandom culture in general, has long been surrounded by stigma – and to that, storytellers like Gerard agree that this needs to be changed. In this interview, I was lucky enough to sit down with him and hear his incredibly thoughtful insights on the topic.

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